Indians edge Cubs at Wrigley Field in Game 3, forge 2-1 lead in World Series

Coco Crisp's pinch-hit single in the seventh inning scored pinch-runner Michael Martinez and broke a scoreless tie in Game 3 of the Fall Classic as the Indians stole a 1-0 victory from the Chicago Cubs on Friday evening at Wrigley Field.

At this point, it's hard for Cubs fans to refrain from rehearsing all the pain they've endured over the years. After all, the team has had a singularly odd series of failures and curses.

In the 1938 World Series, the legendary Babe Ruth pointed his bat toward Wrigley Field's ivy-covered outfield fences, and then hit a "called shot" home run that led the Yankees to victory.

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Inside the 2016 World Series

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Inside the 2016 World Series

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 2: Chicago Cubs fans celebrate in the stands after the Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by LG Patterson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 02: Kris Bryant #17 and Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 02: The Chicago Cubs celebrate after winning 8-7 in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 02: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after Rizzo scores a run in the 10th inning on a Miguel Montero #47 against the Cleveland Indians in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 02: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs singles in the 10th inning against the Cleveland Indians in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 02: Jason Kipnis #22 of the Cleveland Indians is unable to field a throw to second as Jason Heyward #22 of the Chicago Cubs is safe and advances to third on the error in the ninth inning in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 02: Rajai Davis #20 of the Cleveland Indians celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning to tie the game 6-6 against the Chicago Cubs in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 02: Rajai Davis #20 of the Cleveland Indians celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning to tie the game 6-6 against the Chicago Cubs in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 02: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians forces out Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs at second base during the fourth inning in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 02: Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs runs after hitting an RBI double to score Ben Zobrist #18 (not pictured) during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 02: Jon Lester #34 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after retiring the side during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Indians in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 02: A fan holds a sign during Game Seven of the 2016 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 1: Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs is greeted at home plate after hitting a grad slam in the third inning during Game 6 of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by LG Patterson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 01: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the Chicago Cubs forces out Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians at first base to end the seventh inning in Game Six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 01: Jason Kipnis #22 of the Cleveland Indians hits a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs in Game Six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 1: Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs flips the ball to second in the sixth inning during Game 6 of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 01: Fan react as the Cleveland Indians give up three runs in the the first inning as they watch on a big screen outside of Progressive Field during game 6 of the World Series against the Chicago Cubs on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cleveland Indians are one victory away from their first World Series championship since 1948. (Photo by Justin Merriman/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 01: Jim Stamper of Cleveland hangs a sign outside of Progressive Field during game 6 of the World Series against the Chicago Cubs on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cleveland Indians are one victory away from their first World Series championship since 1948. (Photo by Justin Merriman/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 30: during Game 5 of the 2016 World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by LG Patterson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 30: Dexter Fowler #24 (L) and Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs celebrate after beating the Cleveland Indians 3-2 in Game Five of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 30, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Oct 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (left) celebrates with catcher Willson Contreras (right) after game four of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field. The Cubs defeated the Indians 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 30: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs slides into second base after hitting a double in the fourth inning during Game 5 of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 30: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs hits a home run in the fourth inning during Game 5 of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 30: Jon Lester #34 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians in Game Five of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 30, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 29: A general view of Wrigley Field during Game 4 of the 2016 World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, October 29, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 29: Ben Zobrist #18 of the Chicago Cubs bats during Game 4 of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday, October 29, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 29: Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) throws a pitch during the 2nd inning of the 2016 World Series Game 4 between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians on October 29, 2016, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL. The Cleveland Indians defeated the Chicago Cubs by the score of 7-2. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 29: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians hits an RBI single in the third inning during Game 4 of the 2016 World Series against the the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday, October 29, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 29: John Lackey #41 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during Game 4 of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field on Saturday, October 29, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 29: Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) celebrates with Cleveland Indians left fielder Coco Crisp (4) after his three run home run during the seventh inning of the 2016 World Series Game 4 between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on October 29, 2016, at the Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL. Indians won 7-2. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 29: Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Andrew Miller (24) pitches during the seventh inning of the 2016 World Series Game 4 between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on October 29, 2016, at the Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL. Indians won 7-2. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 28: Fans cheer after the fifth inning in Game Three of the 2016 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field on October 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 28: Carl Edwards #6 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians in Game Three of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 28: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians hits a single in the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs in Game Three of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 28: Michael Martinez #1 of the Cleveland Indians scores a run in the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs in Game Three of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 28: Rajai Davis #20 of the Cleveland Indians reacts after being tagged out at third base in the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs in Game Three of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 28: Coco Crisp #4 of the Cleveland Indians hits a single in the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs in Game Three of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 28: Roberto Perez #55 and Andrew Miller #24 of the Cleveland Indians walk off the field in the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs in Game Three of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 28: Mike Montgomery #38 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians in Game Three of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 28: Lonnie Chisenhall #8 of the Cleveland Indians swings at a pitch in the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs in Game Three of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 26: A general view of Progressive Field during the first inning in Game Two of the 2016 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians on October 26, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 28: Carl Edwards #6 of the Chicago Cubs strikes out Lonnie Chisenhall #8 of the Cleveland Indians in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians in Game Three of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 26: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians in Game Two of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on October 26, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 26: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during Game 2 of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 26: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs bats during Game 2 of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 26: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians in Game Two of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on October 26, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 26: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs hits an RBI double in the first inning during Game 2 of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 26: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs is greeted by teammate Ben Zobrist #18 after scoring on a Anthony Rizzo #44 RBI double in the first inning during Game 2 of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Oct 26, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) is forced out at home by Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez (55) in the 7th inning in game two of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 26, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Mike Montgomery throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the 7th inning in game two of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 26, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the 8th inning in game two of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 26, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs players from left Addison Russell , Javier Baez and Kris Bryant celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game two of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 26, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs fans cheer after game two of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 25: The Cleveland Indians line up for the national anthem prior to Game 1 of the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 25: Manager Joe Maddon #70, Dexter Fowler #24, Kris Bryant #17, Anthony Rizzo #44 and Ben Zobrist #18 of the Chicago Cubs look on prior to in Game One of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on October 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 25: Manager Joe Maddon #70, Dexter Fowler #24, Kris Bryant #17, Anthony Rizzo #44 and Ben Zobrist #18 of the Chicago Cubs stands during the national anthem prior to Game One of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on October 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 25: Managers Terry Francona #17 of the Cleveland Indians and Joe Maddon #70 of the Chicago Cubs shake hands before the start of Game 1 of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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In 1945, a local bar owner was denied entrance when he brought a goat to a World Series game, giving rise to the "Billy Goat Curse" that fans feel has vexed the team ever since.

In the 1984 playoffs, a crucially missed ground ball was blamed on a first basemen's glove being soaked, between innings, by a spilled drink of Gatorade.

And in 2003 - with the team was five outs away from reaching the World Series for the first time since 1945 - a fan, the notorious Steve Bartman, interfered with a foul ball before a subsequent string of on-field gaffes ultimately cost the Cubs the game.

Well, it might be too early to panic. But facing a deficit entering Game 4 is pretty daunting, especially with former Cy Young winner Corey Kluber throwing for the Indians next. The righthander tossed six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts in Game 1.

In this contest, though, the Indians scored their lone run in the seventh innings, when Crisp connected on an RBI single to bring in Martinez.

Starter Mike Tomlin tossed 4 2/3 solid innings, while Andrew Miller, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen finished off the Cubs, who were playing their first World Series home game in 71 years.